Like the comic book characters who inspired them, the BoxingWatchers are dedicated to observe all of the biggest fights the sweet science has to offer. With no insider access to the sport, they record what they've seen here. The BoxingWatchers are passionate fans who pledge to bring you intelligent opinions, predictions, reviews and commentary.

12.4.08

The second fight tonight is the welterweight match up is Cotto v. Gomez. Both fighters are 27 years old. Gomez is coming off of his knockout victory against Arturo Gatti. Cotto's last bought was against Shane Mosley where Cotto won by decision. Gomez is 18-3 with 8 KO's. Cotto is 31-0 with 25 KO's.

The crowd is definitely pro Cotto.They start a Cotto chant and its time to fight.

Rd 1: Cotto starts out as the aggressor and throws fast hard shots upstairs. Gomez comes back and shows his punching speed. Most of the punches are blocked by both fighters. Cotto lands 2 hard body shots to Gomez against the ropes. Gomez's face starts to show red from punches landing by Cotto. Cotto looks to be on his game tonight. Cotto is beating Gomez to the punch in the first round. Gomez lands a good counter punch and backs Cotto off.

Spartan: 10-9 CottoUatu: 10-9 Cotto

Rd 2: Gomez comes out throwing his jab. Cotto backs up Gomez with almost every punch that lands. Cotto's punches are hard and landing flush. In the words of Jim Lamply, "Cotto is treating this fight like a sparring session." Cotto lands a hard body shot and Gomez looses his balance and goes down. He makes it up well before the count. The knockdown was almost a slip but was caused by a punch. Great round for Cotto.

Spartan: 10-8 CottoUatu: 10-8 Cotto

Rd 3: Cotto starts to come in more confidently. Cotto switched to southpaw earlier but no goes back to orthodox. Cotto now lands hard uppercuts. Gomez shouldn't be able to take more punches like these. Cotto now switches momentarily back to southpaw but switches back. Gomez goes down in the last 3 seconds of the round by a very hard body shot. He looks hurt but makes it up for the break.

Spartan: 10-8 CottoUatu: 10-8 Cotto

Rd 4: Gomez comes out in this round strong, but Cotto continues to back him up. Cotto has complete control over this fight. Gomez's face is red and swollen. Cotto lands at will now. Gomez's trainer should throw in the towel at this point. Gomez finishes the round on wobbly legs.

Spartan: 10-8 CottoUatu: 10-9 Cotto

Rd 5: Cotto again comes out hard. Gomez goes down after a swift punch in the second minute but makes it up again. He goes back in and takes hard punishment again. Cotto looks very comfortable and goes back to work.